Key digital

skills
Workbook
Your reflective journal
and additional resources
Foreword
We’re delighted you’ve chosen to continue your professional development
with TeachingEnglish training and look forward to learning with you over the
coming weeks.

In this workbook you’ll find additional learning materials to complement your

course, places to note ideas of interest, encouragement and guidance in
applying them within your teaching practice. Whether you prefer to save and
update it on your device, to keep handwritten notes, or use it as a prompt for
your on-the-go reflection, do what works for you. We hope you and your
learners find it beneficial.

If you haven't signed up for the free course, go to the course training page to
enrol.

Happy learning.

The British Council open learning team.

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Contents
Foreword……………………………………………………………………………….. 02
Your learning goals, your course…………………………………… 04
Your learning tools…………………………………………………………….. 05

Module 1: Using word processors

Overview and additional learning resources……………… 06
Your learning: Notes, plans and reflections………………… 07

Module 2: Using slideshows

Overview and additional learning resources……………… 09
Your learning: Notes, plans and reflections………………… 10

Module 3: Using spreadsheets and search

Overview and additional learning resources……………… 12
Your learning: Notes, plans and reflections………………… 13

Module 4: Videoconferencing
Overview and additional learning resources……………… 15
Your learning: Notes, plans and reflections………………… 17

Your action plan………………………………………………………………….. 19

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Your learning goals, your course
Develop beginner digital skills and learn how to use documents, worksheets, search,
presentations and videoconferencing to enhance your teaching.

During this TeachingEnglish training, you’ll engage with learning content in five modules,
supported by a series of live events and extra learning content in our Facebook community.
You’ll find practical support and encouragement from course tutors and other members of
the British Council courses for teachers global learning community as you work to
introduce new teaching ideas within your classroom.

Just as every classroom is unique, so is your learning journey. Ensure you’re heading in the
right direction by reflecting upon and noting your reasons for taking this course and
learning goals. Keeping these in mind will help you focus on the most beneficial content and
discussions for you.

Your goals and reasons for learning

Introduce yourself and your learning goals by replying to the welcome post.

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Your learning tools
Online learning modules
After completing the introductory Getting started module, work through three modules,
each exploring a different area of teaching and learning. Involving an average of 12
hours of study, this course blends theory, practical teaching suggestions and case
studies that explore new ways of teaching. Repeat, return to and review activities as
often as you like before the end of your course. Learn how to access the online learning
modules by visiting the courses page on TeachingEnglish.

Courses for teachers community

Join course tutors and other educators working on their professional development in
our supportive, Facebook-based learning community. Gain access to a wide selection of
additional learning resources and engage in developmental discussions while getting
the support and encouragement you need to successfully bring ideas from the course
into your classroom. Access all the discussions and content related to your specific
course in the Guides section on the community Facebook page.

Live events
Attend live community events and webinars led by expert educators, or watch the
recordings on the community Facebook page. Focusing on different aspects of your
course, these sessions provide you with an opportunity to seek answers to your
questions - and share your own expertise and insights. Recordings of all live
sessions are available on TeachingEnglish and on the community Facebook page.

Workbook
Use this workbook to record useful course and community content, questions you’d like
to ask in the community, links to resources, or to note ideas from any of the extra
resources or recorded events. Save a version online or print the workbook - or both.

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Module 1: Using word processors
Overview
This module explores how to work with word processing programs, like Microsoft Word or
Google Docs.
By the end of the module, you'll be able to:
• find and add images to your worksheets and teaching materials
• use screenshots to explain processes
• format text in your documents to make them more readable
• make your worksheets clearer by adding lists
• ensure your teaching materials are error-free before you use and share them
• share your documents in Word and PDF format

Further reading, teaching, and learning resources

Time to
Type Resource description (tap/click to open) access
(mins)
Read Basic tasks in Word 20
Read Digital literacies: What are they and why should we care? 5
10 awesome and surprising ways you can use Google Docs in the
Read
classroom 20
Read How to use Google Docs 20
Read Low-tech learners 10
Read How can I use visual thinking in the classroom? 10
Read Easy-to-use supports for students in Google Workspace 10
Watch How to use Microsoft Word | Easy guide 30
Watch Digital literacies 60
Which competences do teacher educators need in supporting teachers
Watch
online? 60

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Your learning
Which new ideas in Module 1 are most useful for you? Note them here together with any
questions you’d like to ask in the British Council courses for teachers learning community.

Describe three things you learned from…

Your online module

Resources you found and discussions in the course community

Extra resources and recorded events

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Plan it

Describe one thing you will change in your teaching. Why have you
chosen it?

What problems might happen when you try to make this change?

What could you do to solve those problems?

Share your plans in the Facebook community in this post.

Teach it

Try it out and come back here to reflect on the experience. What did
you learn?

Share your reflections in the Facebook community in this post.

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Module 2: Using slideshows
Overview

This module explores how to work with slideshow programs, like PowerPoint or Google
Slides.

By the end of this module, you'll be able to:

• create a slideshow to use in your classes

• add text to your slideshow, and format it in different ways
• images to your slideshows to make them more visually attractive
• add animations and transitions to make your slideshows more engaging
• add notes to your slideshows to help you when you teach with them
• share your slideshows with colleagues and learners using the Cloud.

Further reading, teaching, and learning resources

Time to
Type Resource description (tap/click to open) access
(mins)
Use A beginner’s guide to Google Slides in the classroom 25

Read Using a class Google site to improve organization and engagement 5

Read Teaching with PowerPoint 25

Read Using the internet 1 5

Read Using the internet 2 10

Read Using the digital whiteboard in a hybrid classroom 10

Read How to make learning fun and interactive using Google Slides 10

Watch Video tutorials: Google Slides overview 2

Watch How to: quick tutorial for new Google Slides presentation 3

Watch PowerPoint for teachers 7

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Your learning
Which new ideas in Module 2 are most useful for you? Note them here together with any
questions you’d like to ask in the British Council courses for teachers learning community.

Describe three things you learned from…

Your online module

Resources you found and discussions in the course community

Extra resources and recorded events

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Plan it

Describe one thing you will change in your teaching. Why have you
chosen it?

What problems might happen when you try to make this change?

What could you do to solve those problems?

Share your plans in the Facebook community in this post.

Teach it

Try it out and come back here to reflect on the experience. What did
you learn?

Share your reflections in the Facebook community in this post.

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Module 3: Using spreadsheets and
search
Overview
This module introduces you to using spreadsheets to keep track of learners' marks and
exam results. It also introduces you to search engines and how to use them more
efficiently.
By the end of this module, you'll be able to:
• create a spreadsheet using Microsoft Excel
• create a marks sheet for your class
• easily explore the data in your marks sheet
• use the spreadsheet to automatically calculate some basic statistics about your
class
• use a search engine more efficiently and quickly
• find what you're looking for easily
• understand what search engines know about you and your location
• use a private search engine for more secure searches.

Further reading, teaching, and learning resources

Time to
Type Resource description (tap/click to open) access
(mins)
Use 5 tips for teaching students to improve their online searches 10

Use Delivering effective feedback with Microsoft Onenote 20

Read Google and the lexical approach 5

Read Delivering effective feedback with Microsoft Onenote 10

Read How to use Excel and spreadsheets in the classroom 25

Watch PowerPoint for teachers 7

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Your learning
Which new ideas in Module 3 are most useful for you? Note them here together with any
questions you’d like to ask in the British Council courses for teachers learning community.

Describe three things you learned from…

Your online module

Resources you found and discussions in the course community

Extra resources and recorded events

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Plan it

Describe one thing you will change in your teaching. Why have you
chosen it?

What problems might happen when you try to make this change?

What could you do to solve those problems?

Share your plans in the Facebook community in this post.

Teach it

Try it out and come back here to reflect on the experience. What did
you learn?

Share your reflections in the Facebook community in this post.

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Module 4: Videoconferencing
Overview
This aim of this module is to help you use videoconferencing in your teaching - using
tools like Zoom to meet your learners online and conduct classes with them.
By the end of this module, you'll be able to:
• talk about the different kinds of videoconferencing (VC) platforms
• identify the features of different VC platforms
• configure your audio, video and lighting properly for a successful VC session
• share your screen with your learners
• help your learners participate in your classes by using a variety of different tools
• share PowerPoint presentations, images and documents with your learners
• use a selection of participation activities to make your online classes more
engaging
• set up and use breakout rooms
• plan and try out pair and group work activities in breakout rooms
• solve common VC problems you and your learners may have
• find and use online tools to help you plan and teach your classes.

Further reading, teaching, and learning resources

Time to
Type Resource description (tap/click to open) access
(mins)
Use Remote teaching tips 10

Use Zoom: Top tips for online English teaching 10

Read Teaching and technology: Case studies from India 10

Read The seven best digital teaching tools for your online ESL classroom 10

Read 8 strategies to improve participation in your virtual classroom 15

Read Engaging students in virtual instruction with the camera off 10

Read 5 ways to use videoconferencing in remote learning 10

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 Supporting every teacher: using a video conference platform for
Read
teaching online 15

Read Video conferencing for education 15

Read Benefits of video conferencing in education 15

Watch Top tips for online English teaching 2

The challenges of remote learning through online classrooms and
Watch
resource hubs 60

Watch Learning online in real time 45

Supporting every teacher: using a video conference platform for
Watch
teaching online 6

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Your learning
Which new ideas in Module 4 are most useful for you? Note them here together with any
questions you’d like to ask in the British Council courses for teachers learning community.

Describe three things you learned from…

Your online module

Resources you found and discussions in the course community

Extra resources and recorded events

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Plan it

Describe one thing you will change in your teaching. Why have you
chosen it?

What problems might happen when you try to make this change?

What could you do to solve those problems?

Share your plans in the Facebook community in this post.

Teach it

Try it out and come back here to reflect on the experience. What did
you learn?

Share your reflections in the Facebook community in this post.

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Your action plan
Make an action plan focused on applying learning from this the course. Complete any
sentences that help you do this. Come back and reflect on what happened in class.

In the next two weeks, I am going to...

Over the next two months, I’m going to...

Before the end of the school year, I’m going to...

Next school year, I want to...

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Well done — you’ve made it to the end of the course! We hope you’ve
found it useful, and you’ll join us on another very soon.

Learn more about other free teacher training courses with the British Council
at: https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/training

Explore our framework for teacher knowledge and skills for inspiration,
support and materials: https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/professional-
development/teachers

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